7 Best Non Toxic Play Mats (Organic and Safe for Babies)

Looking for the best non toxic play mats can be quite overwhelming. 

I should know because I just spent so much time doing it! And trying to figure out if the bestselling non-toxic playmats really have safe materials is quite overwhelming.

There’s a lot of contradicting information online about materials that are considered to be safe for babies but still emit some harmful toxins.

So when researching for this article, to make things simpler, I just looked at organic play mats.

Those that are usually made of organic cotton or use alternative organic materials that are 100% certified safe for babies. They seemed to be the best bet when it comes to having a safe and non-toxic play mat.

I’ve looked into different sites, forums, and parenting groups online, to get some advice and recommendations from parents themselves.

So if you’re looking for organic, certified 100% non-toxic play mats, then this article is for you. Check out below the most popular, best non toxic play mats that are highly recommended by parents online!

I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

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Here’s our list of the most highly recommended, non-toxic, and organic playmats:

Best Organic Play Mats: Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the organic and eco-friendly playmats.

BrandSizeMaterial
Pillobebe CorkiMat® COMFY – Pure Organic Knit Play Mat71x48in (180x122cm)GOTS certified 100% organic cotton
Toki Mats Mudcloth Playmat with Classic Insert40×40 in (102×102 cm)100% organic cotton
Makemake Organics Playmat48″ DiameterGOTS certified organic cotton
ToddleKind Waterproof Playmat46.8×46.8 in / 119×119 cm100% organic cotton
Finch and Folk Explorer Organic Quilted Play Mat 47×47 in / 120×120 cmGOTS certified
Wee Gallery Play Mat 40×40 in (102×102 cm)100% organic cotton fabric
Hemp Organic Life Organic PlaymatCustomizableNatural hemp

Below is a more detailed info on the best organic, non-toxic playmats for babies and toddlers.

7 Best Non Toxic Play Mats

Pillobebe CorkiMat® COMFY – Pure Organic Knit Play Mat

best-non-toxic-play-mats

  • Size: 71x48in (180x122cm)
  • Thickness: 1in/ 2.5cm

This is hands down the most mentioned, most recommended non-toxic play mat I’ve researched.

Their products are all made in the US and are free of Formamide, PU, PVC, EVA, Latex, Fire-retardants, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Lead, and other VOCs.

They also carry an OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Certified Class 1 certificate, and are tested safe according to US and European standards.

Its removable cover is made from GOTS certified 100% organic cotton while its padding is made of hypoallergenic polyester.

There’s some assembly required as you need to insert the paddings in the cover. 

But other than that, Pillobebe is a fine product, which also has an anti-slip feature on the bottom of the removable cover.

Toki Mats Mudcloth Playmat with Classic Insert

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  • Size: 40×40 in (102×102 cm)
  • Thickness: 1″/ 2.5cm

Made in the USA, Toki Mats is another highly recommended non-toxic play mat by parents and experts online.

It’s made of 100% organic cotton cover, with two natural pure latex foam inserts, the kind that’s made from the sap of a Pará rubber tree.

Its natural latex is OEKO-TEX certified, untreated with flame retardants, anti-bacterial, self-ventilating, biodegradable, and non-allergenic.

Toki Mats are free of toxins, PVC, phthalates, and lead.

It has a washable cover, great on hardwood, tile, or rug, and is packaged in a wireframe travel case with a handle. Which makes it portable and easy to carry everywhere!

So you can do tummy time and other newborn developmental activities on the go.

Makemake Organics Playmat

Size: 48″ Diameter

Makemake playmats are made at GOTS certified factories in India, via socially and environmentally manufacturing standards.

This adorable round shaped playmat is 100% GOTS certified, ensuring that its materials are organic and are safe, even for newborns.

It also has a OEKO-TEX certified poly filling that’s safe for your baby’s skin. The materials are made with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes, with no harmful chemicals or pesticides.

What’s best about this playmat, aside from its 8 designs is its fluffiness! t’s 300 thread-count sateen material ensures that.

It has been prepped and pre-washed, making it extra soft to the touch and leading to some minimal shrinkage.

There are some complains though about its stitching falling apart when washed a couple of times but most parents are happy about its overall well-made and cushiony quality.

ToddleKind Waterproof Playmat

best-organic-playmats

Size: 46.8×46.8 in / 119×119 cm

This play mat is made of 100% organic cotton, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, with a water-resistant center. 

It has a polypropylene outer layer, but polypropylene is generally safe, is BPA-free, and is not known to cause cancer.

ToodleKind playmats are tested to the highest standards by a CPSC-approved third-party laboratory.

It’s a waterproof, machine washable play mat with a reversible design.

What I particularly like about this, compared to Pillobebe and Toki Mat is, that you don’t need to assemble any insert inside the cover.

You can just fold and take it with you anywhere, even on the beach or park, as it even comes with its handy carry bag!

Finch and Folk Explorer Organic Quilted Play Mat 

best-organic-play-mat

Size: 47×47 in / 120×120 cm

Finch and Folk is an Australian company that handmakes its product in India, including its playmat.

Their ethically-made playmat is made of GOTS certified organic. That includes the organic cotton top, organic cotton binding edge, and durable organic base fabric.

It also has a reversible/ double-sided quilting, which can make for an engaging play mat, especially for babies who hate tummy time. Its hypoallergenic padding is made of a thick, washable polyester that’s Oeko-Tex certified.

Customers are also happy with their customer service. One mom even shared that her play mat came with a bag that says “Welcome little one, you are so loved.” Which is quite sweet and touching to read.

If you’re outside of Australia, buying them on Etsy might be easier, as suggested by the Finch and Folk themselves.

Wee Gallery Play Mat 

best-eco-friendly-play-mat

Size: 40×40 in (102×102 cm)

Following ethical standards of manufacturing in India, Wee Gallery produces baby products that are made or sustainable materials that are GOTS certified.

Their playmats are made of 100% organic cotton fabric, with a polyester fiberfill that is OEKO TEX certified.

Their products are also guaranteed safe for babies and the environment.

It’s also free from BPA/ BPS/ PVC/ pesticide/ herbicide. It also has no harmful phthalates/ formaldehyde/ flame retardants and has non-toxic dyes/ ink.

It’s also reversible and hand-illustrated with beautiful and mentally-stimulating designs that are sure to benefit your baby.

Hemp Organic Life

best-organic-play-mat-safe-for-babies
  • Size: customizable
  • Thickness: Max is 2.3 in/ 6 cm

Hemp Organic has a very unique take on play mats – theirs is made of natural hemp and non-dyed linen fabrics, with hemp fillers.

Hemp is a waste-free ingredient, that’s safe and eco-friendly and that doesn’t cause any harmful effects.

It does tend to crease and wrinkle easily plus you need to wash and dry it carefully. 

But it’s baby-safe and its environmental benefits trump its minor inconveniences.

This Hemp Organic Life, a small Ukrainian company, can also customize their playmats, so you can be assured that they will fit in your home.

They are currently in an unfortunate and dangerous situation and they are urging customers to make a donation and provide some support.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Play Mat

  • How much space do you have?

Consider the available space you have. 

If you have an uneven, limited space, maybe it’s good to look into a customizable play mat.

Or you can go for a quilted, easy-to-fold rolling play mat. 

A modular playmat can also be great to have since you can easily adjust its size when necessary.

If you have a large space, then go all out on the playmat of your choice.

  • Do you have pets?

Consider your pets that tend to dig and claw at rugs or on the floor all the time. 

Most playmats are not durable enough to withstand that constant rough playing. 

Plus it’s not fun when your fur baby damages a very expensive play mat. 

With that regard, a reptile may be a great option for a pet. You may consider some popular lizard pets. They’re quiet and don’t make messes. You simply just make a terrarium for them. 

  • What’s your budget?

Organic play mats are usually expensive. 

They can easily cost a few hundred bucks, money which you can use to buy other baby essentials such as a baby carrier or diapers.

But there are other play mats that may not be made of 100% organic materials but can still be considered non-toxic enough to be used even by babies. 

Why Non Toxic and Organic Play Mats?

Because most of us are all well-informed and more knowledgeable about the effects of chemicals in our body and how it can cause some serious health issues in the long run. A lot of baby products ironically have a lot of toxic and harmful chemicals in them, such as non organic play mats.

Parents who have the budget and are choosing non toxic and organic play mats, just wants the best for their kids. So if one can afford it, why not go for one?

Buying Guide for Best Non Toxic Play Mats

  • Material

Playmats that are made from 100% GOTS and OEKO-certified organic cotton are ideal to have.

But those that carry other safety standard certifications or are made from alternative organic materials, other than cotton, are also non-toxic and safe, even for babies.

It would be better if the playmat has a non-slip feature, so it doesn’t keep moving when your kids are crawling or walking around on it.

  • Size 

Newborns are fine to move around in a small playmat. But naturally, they’d get bigger so opt for large play mats if you have the space for them.

  • Thickness

Our priority in having a play mat is to cushion our baby’s falls, especially if they’re practicing rolling over, crawling, or even when they’re standing up.

So a thick playmat is better to have.

  • Use

Do you only want to use the playmat indoors? Then any play mat will do.

But if you want something more portable and can easily be used on the beach, park, etc., then a rolling play mat would be better to have.

  • Storage

It’ll be better if you can get a playmat that you can easily fold or roll for easy keeping. 

Especially if you have limited space or if you want to carry with you whenever and wherever you want.

  • Easy to Clean

A waterproof play mat is ideal to have, one that can also be easily washed or wiped when necessary.

  • Design

Some play mats come with visually stimulating designs and drawings, which can help your babies’ brain development.

Some have gorgeous designs that can complement any room, whether it be your child’s bedroom or the living room.

FAQ: Safe Baby Play Mats

Are baby play mats toxic?

Some are, especially if they’re not free from BPA, PVC, and other harmful materials.

Do I need a playmat for my baby?

Yes, especially if you want them to practice rolling over and feeling their way on a surface other than their crib.

It’s also a great way to teach toddlers boundaries. You can tell them that they can only play on the playmat and they would more likely stick there.

At what age do babies play on play mats?

Newborns can already do some playtime and you can already place them on a play mat when needed.

Are PVC play mats safe?

No, PVC play mats are not safe. PVC is a material that is toxic to children and can cause health and development problems.

It’s also linked to birth defects, testicular cancer, liver problems, and more.

Can a baby sleep on a playmat?

Yes, they can, as long as safe sleep guidelines are met. But it’s highly recommended to let them get used to sleeping in their crib, so you won’t have any issues in the long run.

What age do babies stop using playmats?

Mobile, older babies, especially those that are already cruising or learning how to walk might not want to stay still on their playmats. They are at that age where they like to explore more.

However, it doesn’t mean that playmats are not useful anymore. My kid is now 4 years old and I’m still using it for her!

We started co-sleeping on a floor mattress when she was 1 year old, so I had the idea of placing the playmat around our bed. So it’ll be safer for her to get in and out of bed.

Plus if ever she falls out of bed, the playmat would cushion her fall.

It’s also useful when my preschooler is doing her sporty antics, such as learning how to tumble and whatnot.

How long to leave a baby on a playmat?

You can leave them there as long as they’re safe and happy.

A flat, cushioned surface is actually better for babies to do some tummy time activities and explore their surroundings.

Helpful Tips on Using Non Toxic Play Mats

  • Always get an extra cover

If it’s possible, always purchase an extra cover. 

You never know what sort of accidents might happen – spit-ups, vomits, and even diaper blowouts.

  • Clean with care

Playmats can last for years but only if you know how to take care of them.

So read carefully its instructions on how to clean them to maintain their quality.

  • Take note if your kid slips often

It might be best to just let your baby crawl on a tile floors or wooden floors, with no playmat if the latter is becoming a safety hazard.

If you can find one with non-slip material, then that’s great. 

But if you see your child struggling and slipping most of the time when they’re moving around or walking on the play mat, then it’s probably better to not use it.

  • Get a rug underneath

If you don’t want to lose the play mat, then get a rug and place it underneath, to prevent the play mat from constantly moving.

  • Pets can leave hair, imprints, etc.

Learn to manage your expectations about having a perfectly clean play mat, especially when you have pets around.

  • Let your kids roll/ crawl on the floor

It’s not a popular opinion, especially if your kid tends to lick and mouth everything. But there are certain benefits to letting them get physical on the hard floor.

As long as you’re there to supervise and the floor is relatively clean and safe, babies can strengthen their immune system by desensitizing them to dust and dirt microbes.

They will also learn how to control and navigate their surroundings developing their motor skills even on uneven floors.

So give your baby a chance to explore your home’s hard floors and allow them to learn more about their environment.

Best Non Toxic Play Mats: Final Thoughts

Toxic materials are unavoidable but of course, as parents, we’ll always try our best to give the best to our kids.

Which can mean getting them a premium 100%, certified, organic, non-toxic play mat.

But remember, babies grow up so fast and in a blink of an eye, you’ll have a hyperactive toddler that’s just climbing all around the house.

So think about how long realistically, can your baby use a play mat and if you still have any use for it when your baby outgrows it.

If you’re looking for something that can be used until at least they turn 1 year old, why not get them an activity gym instead, like the Lovevery.

It comes with age-appropriate toys plus the playmat you need and it’s also made of non-toxic materials. 

Maybe that would better suit your needs.

non toxic playmat

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Julie